We are conducting research in the following fields. The sections below give a very brief list of key works related with the research topic. The title links to a list of possible topics for Bachelor- and Master-theses.
Pierre Auger Observatory -- AugerPrime
Physics
- Astroparticle physics
- Quest for the still unknown origin and acceleration of cosmic rays
- The world largest (3000 km²) cosmic-ray detector located in Argentina
- Sensitive above several 100 PeV
- Measurement of the spectrum and composition of cosmic-rays
- Upgrade on-going for a better determination of the primary particle type
Technology
- Water-Cherenkov detectors (Auger)
- Scintillator detectors (AugerPrime)
- A prototype scintillator array using SiPMs
First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope -- FACT
Physics
- Astronomy at TeV energies
- Possible origin of cosmic-rays: Active Galactic Nuclei
- Time evolution of their spectrum (monitoring)
Technology
- Imaging air-Cherenkov telescope (IACT) with 1440 pixels in La Palma (Spain)
- The first IACT using SiPM (G-APD) as light sensors
- Image analysis
- Data analysis of long-term light-curves
High Altitude Water-Cherenkov Observatory -- HAWC's Eye (= FAMOUS)
Physics
- Astronomy at TeV energies
- First all-sky detector (first all-sky map)
- Ideal to monitor the sky for transient events
Technology
- Huge Water tanks located near Puebla (Mexico)
- Compact imaging air-Cherenkov Telescopes (HAWC's Eye / FAMOUS)
- Improvements expected from the combination of both technologies
- First hybrid detector of this kind